metformin

noun

met·​for·​min met-ˈfȯr-mən 

: a drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C₄H₁₁N₅·HCl especially to treat type 2 diabetes

Examples of metformin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of the studies are exploring how the diabetes drug metformin, for example, might help slow down (and therefore preserve) the metabolic system. —Alice Park, TIME, 11 Mar. 2025

Imagine, for example, if the FDA withdrew approval for the diabetes drug metformin every time a manufacturing issue was identified. —Ross Marchand, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025

Meanwhile, some approaches to slowing the aging process are already in clinical trials, including medications such as metformin and semaglutide (which is currently also being used to treat obesity). —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2025

Less frequent side effects can include chest discomfort, weakness, headache, rhinitis, hypoglycemia and vitamin B12 deficiency (with long-term metformin use). —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

methyl + -formin (as in phenformin, an earlier antidiabetic drug)

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for metformin

• longshoreman
• longshoremen
• corpsman
• foreman
• foremen
• mormon
• warman

Medical Definition

metformin

noun

met·​for·​min met-ˈfȯr-mən 

: an antidiabetic drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C₄H₁₁N₅·HCl especially to treat type 2 diabetes in patients unresponsive to or intolerant of approved sulfonylurea drugs

Note: Trademarks for preparations containing metformin include Glucophage, Glucovance, Invokamet, Janumet, Jentadueto, and Kombiglyze.